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September 15, 2005
Generative Metaphor
Following lastnight's whinge I got to thinking about my focus, the subject, and the object of my research. I think my problem is partly that when I'm 'making' work ó designing ó I lose sight of the bigger picture and focus on the artefact. I kind of like the idea that my research centers around the artefact, form, and craft. But, it's obviously important that as a 'research' project, the production of artefacts goes some way to developing the thesis.
So in response I think I've been placing way too much importance on the Monster (and/or the Manifesto). I think they're important 'parts' of the research but not the object or subject of it? I thought more about the diagram in the post below (7th September), in which I was essentially thinking the same thing . . . pulling my focus out to see the bigger picture. The Monster and the Manifesto as part of a bigger topic. I tried to revisualise it this morning (and this is intentionally simplistic) . . .
In the process of trying to write the manifestoes for monstrosity I inevitably got more interested in the general idea of metaphor. It's not something I know a lot about or have ever actively engaged. As I mentioned previously I was thrown by Lisa's use of it in regard to design practice/process last year. Due to the nature of my topic of late I've been much more aware of metaphor in daily usage. I guess I notice it a little more, it's so pervasive in day to day language and thought. I've been thinking quite a bit about the recent Creationist hi-jacking of 'Design', and how so many metaphors either lock into, or can be built around, notions of designing. I'm wondering if this might be the subject of my research? More specifically how metaphor works in relation to practitioner research? I've come across the term "Generative Metaphor" in reading about Donald Schon, but must admit I have done much to chase it up yet. It does intrigue me though . . . what does he think this is? Generative of what? I guess I like the idea that my manifestoes for monstrosity might work as generative metaphors . . .
Posted by Luke Wood at September 15, 2005 08:35 AM
Comments
FEAR.
Thatís what I find most interesting about your project. Not monsters as such, but the fear that they create.
Maybe you should think of your manifestos as generative in that they should "generate" fear somehowÖ??? (for you or your audience)
Is making a map a fearful process?Ö
Is a map going to strike fear into the hearts of your audience?Ö
When you started fooling around with those bollards in a public space because you were scared of people seeing you, there was something interesting going on. The stills from that performance were cooler than the poster AND a little scary looking.
How about a live online argument with Anna or something instead of a physical map of your relationshipÖ Or maybe a live online sex show (surely youíd be scared of keeping it up with a potentially vast audience?)Ö.. to wanky artist?? Anyway I just really liked the whole idea of you confronting your fears through design. How that works with the monster manifestos Iím not sureÖ.
(oh yeah I really liked how you had room for four signatures at the end of those manifetosÖ like you were prepared to hand over your formula to some other hacks and see what happenedÖ)
p.p.s Iím scared of posting this with my name at the bottom, so youíve created a little fear in my life.
Posted by: james cleary at September 15, 2005 02:47 PM
"met.a.phor n [MF or L; MF metaphore, fr. L metaphora, fr. Gk, fr. metapherein to transfer, fr. meta- + pherein to bear--more at bear] (1533) 1: a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly: figurative language--compare simile 2: an object, activity, or idea treated as a metaphor: symbol"
(Webster dictionary)
Metaphor is a tool, no more, no less. It's used to make things clearer or more obscure or clear just to a certain group. I think the question you ought to answer is monster "metaphor of what?" "for whom?" Once you get that answer then you can ask yourself "generative of what". You try to do it all at once... and relax or you'll die of a heart attack and return as a Zombie...
Posted by: E. at September 15, 2005 03:58 PM